Primary long-term focus: ammo or guns?

[rdhood]

By the time I master the art of getting it right I'll be too old to shoot it.

Not true. That's a fallacy about reloading... that everyone is trying to master something, like accuracy. Personally, I just do a by-the-book medium charge that goes bang absolutely 100% of the time. I am not chronographing my reloads, or testing for accuracy (much). You would be reloading/ shooting them from day one, and a press would pay for itself in a few thousand rounds (it happens faster than you might think).

The only mastery is of common sense and paying attention. Everything else is tried-and-true basics, and there is plenty of info out there to help you learn.


And, BTW, this:

AMMO and more AMMO

The guns I have will fulfill my needs and yes new guns are always fun but my focus is still on AMMO.

 

[Warp]

Not true. That's a fallacy about reloading... that everyone is trying to master something, like accuracy. Personally, I just do a by-the-book medium charge that goes bang absolutely 100% of the time. I am not chronographing my reloads, or testing for accuracy (much). You would be reloading/ shooting them from day one, and a press would pay for itself in a few thousand rounds (it happens faster than you might think).

The only mastery is of common sense and paying attention. Everything else is tried-and-true basics, and there is plenty of info out there to help you learn.

I have seen that differentiated as handloading vs reloading.

Reloading = trying to save money by pumping out less expensive rounds. You probably won't save money (as in spend less), but you probably will get to shoot more/get more rounds for your money.

Handloading = trying to master accuracy, weighing and measuring everything possible for every component, recording everything, and chasing the perfect pet load that your rifle loves that shoots to half of the group size of the best factory ammo, in your rifle

 

[Mike1234567]

I strongly suspect, in times of any type of shortage, that shortage will be in ammo. It'll be much easier to trade ammo for guns than vice versa.

 

[Inebriated]

Not true. That's a fallacy about reloading... that everyone is trying to master something, like accuracy. Personally, I just do a by-the-book medium charge that goes bang absolutely 100% of the time. I am not chronographing my reloads, or testing for accuracy (much). You would be reloading/ shooting them from day one, and a press would pay for itself in a few thousand rounds (it happens faster than you might think).

The only mastery is of common sense and paying attention. Everything else is tried-and-true basics, and there is plenty of info out there to help you learn.

Agreed, 100%.

 

[JohnBiltz]

I keep enough ammo to shoot for a year at my present level of use. I decided to do this after the 2008 shortage. When the election was coming up I bumped that up by a few thousand rounds and I was glad I did. I'm not a collector, I'm not a prepper, I'm not a great shot, I just like to shoot. As I told my nephew once, some people golf, some bowl, I shoot. I enjoy it.

 

[FROGO207]

I used to keep 2 years of normal ammo and/or components used ahead but in the last ten or so years I have unconsciously increased to at least a 5 year normal use supply. I intend to slow or possibly stop shooting should I hit the 2 year amount without ability to secure replacements for what I have used. I am just fortunate that I had the disposable income when needed to divert to this over time.

 

[ChCx2744]

Most definately ammo for me. I'm comfortable with my gun count, however, I'm never comfortable with my ammo count.

 

[heycods]

Both in quanity, prefer at least two guns of each caliber. I love the rifle pistol same cartrige concept. But somehow the 45 70 revolver dosen`t turn me on/

 

[bldsmith]

I try to keep my calibers to a minimum. Then I group my guns around those select ammo styles. I too try to have a minimum number I try to have on hand for each. I either have it or have the components to load for them. Well almost. Need a bit more powder and some bullets but have more than enough brass and primers.

 

[Ignition Override]

Warp:
You asked people to estimate how long their present ammo supply will last at the present rate of consumption. Less than 4,000 rds. of 7.62x39-just for future reserves-will never be enough.

Even if we disregard what could easily happen long-term with just one of these factors:
more compliance with the UN Small Arms Treaty, a new anti-gun Supreme Court judge, future added tarrifs/taxes on imported ammo....future inflation and increasing demand (even with No ammo panic) seem to be only the first reasons to continue buying ammo for guns which we are sure we will continue to frequently use.

One serious frustration is that Brit/Euro "arms control" and UN groups have paid other countries to destroy not only obsolescent bolt-action (old unwanted military) rifles, i.e. Enfields, Mausers (plus AKs etc), but supposedly large heaps of surplus ammo.

 

[ZVP]

I think that I have enough handguns and a couple Shotguns.
Ny main focus is ammo.
I will not be caught this low on .22rf ammo again (If I can ever find any more!).
I am afraid that restrictions here in Calif will get so tight that you won't be able to get ammo!
BPDave

 

[justice06rr]

If I had to choose one, I'd stock up on ammo. If I only had to choose a few guns, it would be a pistol/shotgun/rifle and stock up on those 3 calibers accordingly.

There's no point in stocking up more guns when you don't have enough ammo for them anyway.

 

[Racinfan83]

Ammo. Got plenty o guns. There are a couple-three I would like to add to my collection - but if there is no ammo they are just expensive paperweights.
Trying to find .22 ammo and reasonably priced .223 ammo is killin me right now..

 

[RBid]

My priorities were:

1. Carry gun
2. Spare carry gun (spare, not BUG)
3. Ammunition


4. Fun stuff

 

[CoalTrain49]

First look at how many guns you actually need. Notice I said need, not want. I think maybe 5 or 6, your number may be higher. I have all that I need, maybe not all that I want but certainly enough. I've been focusing on ammo for about 18 months. I've been buying powder 8 lbs at a time and primers 2K at a time. I know have a 2 year supply of everything but bullets and I'm working on that next. I am now officially a hoarder.

The reason is simple. The next ammo shortage is scheduled for 2016. Only 700 shopping days left.

 

[Ignition Override]

Has anyone here seriously considered first buying a large amount of 5.45x39 ammo at .18.rd., then searching for the AK-74? You clean the bore/chamber and gas tube parts every time.

It's the best price for centerfire ammo in 2014 ("Gunbot"). At such ammo prices -we realize they won't last for very long- an AK-74 clone would have made much more sense than my recent, second M-1 Garand (CMP) from a strictly practical standpoint.

CoalTrain49: about the "scheduled" likely panic in 2016, true. And there are so many hard-core sociopaths and psychos out there with their hidden clocks ticking. Remember the lyrics from the Doors' "Riders On The Storm"?

 

[Warp]

Has anyone here seriously considered first buying a large amount of 5.45x39 ammo at .18.rd., then searching for the AK-74? You clean the bore/chamber and gas tube parts every time.

It's the best price for centerfire ammo in 2014 ("Gunbot"). At such ammo prices -we realize they won't last for very long- an AK-74 clone would have made much more sense than my recent, second M-1 Garand (CMP) from a strictly practical standpoint.

CoalTrain49: about the "scheduled" likely panic in 2016, true. And there are so many hard-core sociopaths and psychos out there with their hidden clocks ticking. Remember the lyrics from the Doors' "Riders On The Storm"?

I do not care to deal with corrosive ammo all the time.

I believe the AR platform is superior. The controls/interface, accessories, adaptability, parts availability, ease of maintenance and 'smithing, magazine availability, ammunition selection and availability, etc.

So no, I haven't seriously considered the ak-74 thing.

 

[jrdolall]

The AK-74 is an awesome weapon and gets shot just about every weekend around here. I have loaded up on surplus ammo at around $.18 per round and stacked it deep. I will certainly burn up the gun before I run through the ammo.

Finding supplies locally for the '74 is difficult but I have had no problem finding mags on line. I run it stock and ONLY shoot the surplus so a little extra cleaning once a week is in order.

 

[Teachu2]

Ammo, and lots of it. I have almost enough guns (just one more!), but hesitate to go burn ammo I can't replace. I'm getting ready to move, and will be without a workshop for a time - so no reloading....

 

[undeRGRound]

I started of buying guns and ammo thinking I would concentrate on a FEW Calibers and that was all, maybe these:
22LR
9mm
5.56
12ga

and prolly 38 special and 357 magnum for Dad's revolvers.

Well, reality happens, so I found myself not finding 22lr and 9mm was scarce, so I found that 40 S&W was quite common in my area and CHEAP! (right after Sandy Hook) I bought a JCP HiPoint and got a great deal on a Mossberg 640T (22Mag) so there's another caliber... and 45 was coming back quickly, so there's another caliber. Got a great deal on a 17 HMR Savage mod 93 cuz the 22lr situation still looked bleak. A friend had a very nice Savage 110 in 270W so there ya go, another high powered rifle.
Decided that was more than enough calibers. All common and (relatively) easy to find, even the 22lr is showing up a bit. My retired dad did 3-4 Gander Mountain ammo day trips for me, so I got caught up a bit on the 22lr. Good thing, too many 22's but one is a Henry lever action, which also shoots 22Short! I got a few thousand of those little gems, HV
I rounded out the handgun calibers by gettig HiPoint carbines in all 3, (9, 40, 45) and a Sub2000 in 40 cal. My daughter really likes that little folder, it will go to the range every time she does!

So, my answer?

AMMO

And reloading gear and optics for everything, double duty optics are fine as I cannot shoot everything at once!


Might get some sort of an AK, 47 or 74, that will be the only different caliber. Unless I get a 10mm handgun, or 357. But sonny-boy and dad already have those, so I do not consider it "new caliber" for us.

 

[justice06rr]

Has anyone here seriously considered first buying a large amount of 5.45x39 ammo at .18.rd., then searching for the AK-74? You clean the bore/chamber and gas tube parts every time.

It's the best price for centerfire ammo in 2014 ("Gunbot"). At such ammo prices -we realize they won't last for very long- an AK-74 clone would have made much more sense than my recent, second M-1 Garand (CMP) from a strictly practical standpoint.

Yes, I've seriously considered buying a case of 7n6 ammo since its so cheap although I only have AK47's. Then I can look around for an AK74 afterwards since I've been wanting to add one to the lineup anyway.

5.45x39 seems to be one of the cheapest ammo right now after 22lr, so its not a bad idea to stock up on it while its cheap and available.

 

[mr.trooper]

Diversifying has its benefits.

I own numerous weapons chambered for a whole gaggle of cartridges. So do most of my imediate relatives.

The benefit? Litterally ANY cartridge I come across can be shot out of SOMETHING I own.

If it happens that the only cartridges left are 43 Egyptian? I think my uncle has a rolling block that shoot it. See where I'm going with this?

Yes, I stock ammo and mags for primary weapons - but what is it actually hurting to have a few extra guns around?

 

[undeRGRound]

Yes, I've seriously considered buying a case of 7n6 ammo since its so cheap although I only have AK47's. Then I can look around for an AK74 afterwards since I've been wanting to add one to the lineup anyway.

5.45x39 seems to be one of the cheapest ammo right now after 22lr, so its not a bad idea to stock up on it while its cheap and available.

My thoughts exactly, hence the AK-74 mention above.
My "value eye" spotted that a while back. I'd love to have more info on cheap imported 5.45x39 compatible weapons, however. Anyone have some leads?

 

[herkyguy]

i go back and forth. it should be ammo, but i can't turn down a good deal on a gun either. i can shoot for a while with what i've got, but i'm always looking for more and starting to get into reloading.

so now the question is three fold. guns, ammo, or components???

 

[nwilliams]

I would say ammo.

If you look at the last 10 years the price of ammo has done nothing but climb. I'm pretty worried about the cost of ammo ten years from now, especially with the fact that environmental groups are pushing for bans on lead ammo.

Also the availability of ammo should always be a concern, 2013 was a clear example of that.